Stock trading apps enable investors to follow real-time market updates and invest in stocks easily on their phones. There are many trading apps available, and sometimes it can feel difficult to know where to start.
On this page, we’ll highlight some different options, and help you understand how to choose the right trading app for you.
The Motley Fool’s featured trading apps:
Good for long-term, active investors looking for shares and funds
Hargreaves Lansdown Fund and Share Account *
| Trading Commission | £5.95 – £11.95 |
| Account Management Fee | From £0.00 |
- Pros & Cons
- Fees & Charges
Pros
- Reputable broker.
- Earn interest on uninvested cash.
- Huge investment choice.
- No annual account fee for holding shares and ETFs.
- Discounted trading fees for more active investors.
- No account inactivity fee.
- Easy to use.
- Complimentary research and market insights.
- High-quality web platform and mobile app.
Cons
- Standard stock trading fees are relatively high.
- Charting tools are relatively simple.
- Limited advanced trading tools.
- Expensive annual service fees for fund investors.
- Cannot buy fractional shares.
- Share dealing (online) – By default, HL charges £11.95 per trade. However, if you execute 10 or more trades in a single month, this rate drops to £8.95, or £5.95 if you execute 20 or more trades.
- Share dealing (phone & post) – HL charges 1% of the trade value as a fee when trading via the phone or through postal dealing. There is a minimum £20 trading fee, but the maximum charge is £50 per trade.
- Foreign exchange – When trading internationally, HL charges a foreign currency exchange fee depending on the size of the transaction. This fee is 1% for the first £5,000, 0.75% for the next £5,000, 0.5% for the next £10,000, and 0.25% for any amount over £20,000.
- Fund charges – When holding investment funds in an account, HL charges an annual holding fee. The amount is based on the value of your investment. The first £250,000 incurs a 0.45% fee. If investments are worth between £250,000 and £1m, the fee decreases to 0.25%. If investments are worth between £1m and £2m, the fee decreases again to 0.1%. And any value beyond £2m incurs no fees.
- Account charges – Beyond the previously mentioned Fund charges, there are no annual account fees for using a Fund and Share Account.
- Deposit fee – None.
- Withdrawal fee – None.
Good for experienced investors who want lots of control and choice
IG Share Dealing Account *
| Trading Commission | From £0.00 |
| Account Management Fee | £24.00 per Quarter (See Custody fees) |
- Pros & Cons
- Fees & Charges
Pros
- Reputable broker.
- Earn interest on uninvested cash.
- Low trading costs compared to other platforms.
- Access to over 13,000 global investments (including UK, US, and emerging markets).
- Powerful investment platform.
- Excellent research and educational resources.
- Fast online account set up.
Cons
- Cash interest is only available to investors who place at least one trade per month.
- Cannot invest in mutual funds.
- Inactive investors have to pay a quarterly £24 custody fee.
- The platform is complex and is not designed for beginners or casual investors.
- Inconsistent customer service response times.
- No automatic dividend reinvestment option.
- Research tools are more focused on technical rather than fundamental analysis.
- Share dealing (online) – No commission unless using a multi-currency account and have opted to perform manual currency conversions instead of automatic. When manual conversions are enabled, there is a £3 commission fee for UK shares and a $0.03 per share commission fee (up to $15) for US stocks.
- Share dealing (phone) – IG charges a fixed commission rate depending on the market a stock is listed. The commissions in 2025 are £40 for UK shares, £50 for US and EU shares, and A$50 for Australian stocks.
- Foreign exchange – When trading internationally, IG charges a 0.7% foreign currency exchange fee that’s fixed regardless of the size of the transaction.
- Custody fees – IG charges a flat quarterly custody fee for using its account, requiring a payment of £24 every three months. However, this custody fee is reduced to £0 if you execute three or more buy or sell trades in a quarter.
- Deposit fee – None.
- Withdrawal Fee – None.
- Bank transfers – Free. However, if a bank transfer is less than £100 and you want it executed on the same day as the request (instead of up to 3 working days), there is a £15 fee.
Good for long-term, cost-conscious investors who want lots of flexibility
Interactive Investor Trading Account *
| Trading Commission | From £3.99 |
| Account Management Fee | From £4.99 (Depending on Subscription Plan) |
- Pros & Cons
- Fees & Charges
Pros
- Flat-fee subscription pricing.
- Free monthly trades (depending on subscription).
- Free regular investing.
- Wide range of investments.
- Curated investment tools (Quick-Start Funds, Super 60 shortlist).
- Regular investing tools to automate wealth-building.
- High-quality educational resources.
- User-friendly platform for managing portfolios.
- Participate in IPOs.
- Complimentary market commentary.
- Multiple currency support with interest earned on any Euros or US Dollars held.
Cons
- Monthly fees might be expensive for small portfolio investors.
- No fractional share trading.
- Free trade credits expire in 31 days.
- Additional fees for large transactions.
- No AI-driven tools or robo-advice features.
- Watchlist and alerts are basic compared to other platforms.
Subscription Plans
- Investor Essentials (£4.99 per month) – This is the entry-level subscription for investors with less than £50,000. It allows for free regular investing where a small sum of capital is drip-fed into a selection of eligible investments at no cost. You can also include a Stocks and Shares ISA under this plan.
- Investor (£11.99 per month) – In addition to the features of the Investor Essentials plan, the Investor plan removes the £50,000 limit, allows the addition of Junior ISAs, provides a free membership to two family or friend members, and grants one free trade per month.
- Super Investor (£19.99 per month) – In addition to the features of the Investor plan, the Super Investor plan grants up to four free trades per month, as well as up to five free memberships to family and friends. It also provides discounts on international trading fees.
Additional Fees
- Share dealing (online) – The standard trading fee for UK shares and funds, and US stocks is £3.99 across all subscription plans. For any other international investment, the trading fee is £9.99, or £5.99 when using the Super Investor plan. There is also a £0.99 fee for automatic dividend reinvestment.
- Share dealing (phone) – II charges a flat £49 for trades executed over the phone. Note that free trade credits from subscriptions cannot be used for phone trades. Furthermore, buying or selling shares listed on exchanges in Sweden or Switzerland can only be executed over the phone.
- Large transaction fees – When buying or selling UK shares with a trade value exceeding £100,000, there is an additional £40 fee. When buying or selling US shares with a trade value exceeding £100,000, there is a 0.04% fee. When buying or selling other international shares with a trade value exceeding £25,000, there is a 0.1% fee.
- Foreign exchange – When trading internationally, Interactive Investor will charge a foreign currency exchange fee unless you have sufficient funds of the required currency already in your account. The fee depends on the transaction size.
- £0 to £24,999 – 1.5%
- £25,000 to £49,999 – 1.25%
- £50,000 to £99,999 – 1.0%
- £100,000 to £599,999 – 0.5%
- £600,000 or more – 0.25%
- International investor fee – If you are no longer a UK resident, Interactive Investor will still allow you to keep an existing account. However, there is an additional £4 a month subscription fee required.
- Deposit fee – None.
- Withdrawal fee – No fees for next-day withdrawals. A £15 fee for same-day withdrawals, which must be requested before 2pm.
What to consider when comparing trading apps:
- Commission rates: Many trading apps apply commissions when you use their services. When researching for a suitable trading app, identify whether the app applies commissions and how high they are.
- Your level of expertise: When choosing the right trading app, your level of experience will be extremely relevant. Some trading apps are simple and intuitive to use, while others are more complex and require a level of expertise to use them effectively. If you’re a more experienced trader, you’re likely to need a more advanced app that will offer more information and features such as watch lists, copy trading, trading calculators, fractional shares, market orders, and leverage.
- Account minimums: To use a trading app’s services, users may be required to make a deposit. Different apps require varying minimum deposits, so it’s important to identify and compare these amounts before you commit.
- User friendliness: The usability of trading apps varies widely, and it’s important to choose an app that you find intuitive and enjoyable.If you’re a beginner, apps with simple interfaces in which you can see your accounts and investments at a glance can be helpful.
- Investments offered: When choosing your trading app, explore which types of investments each app offers. Whether you’re interested in shares, bonds, actively managed funds, index tracking funds or investment trusts, you’ll want to choose an app that offers what you’re looking for.
Risk Warning
Investments involve various risks, and you may get back less than you put in.
The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back all the money you put in. All investments carry a varying degree of risk and it’s important you understand the nature of these risks. The Motley Fool believes in building wealth through long-term investing and so we do not promote or encourage high-risk activities including day trading, CFDs, spread betting, cryptocurrencies, and forex. Click here to learn more.
What is a trading app?
A trading app conveniently allows traders and investors to place trades and manage their accounts all from their own phone or tablet. Many trading apps also boast other features, such as news feeds, real-time quotes, and charting tools.
How do stock trading apps work in the UK?
In the past, if you wanted to invest in the stock market you would have to approach a recognised stockbroker. The range of products to invest in was limited and you’d pay a lot of money for the privilege.
Nowadays, there are a variety of trading platform apps that anyone can use, straight from their phone. You’ll find apps that offer an excess of options – bonds, stocks, and funds– often for no fee or a low fee.
It’s important to note that although trading platform apps can offer a variety of options, The Motley Fool does not promote or encourage high-risk activities including day trading, CFDs, spread betting, cryptocurrencies, and forex.
What is the best trading app for beginners?
When you’re new to the world of trading, you’ll want to choose an app with a simple interface, solid customer service, and enough guidance and resources to learn how things work to make the most of your investments. However, you may also seek to use alternative tools for guidance and resources, learning to make the most of your investments.
Beginners will also want to choose an app with low commissions and fees that offer a wide range of stocks and other investments.
What is the best trading app for experienced investors?
For experienced investors, look for an app that has a wide range of trading tools and detailed research. Some apps even offer advanced types of investments, such as options and future contracts, that are more popular with experienced traders.
Fees for stock trading apps
One important factor to bear in mind when comparing trading apps are fees. Even low fees can drastically reduce your portfolio’s return, particularly if you’re a frequent trader. Here are the most common types of trading app fees:
- Trade commissions: You’ll pay these fees when you buy or sell securities, such as stocks, ETFs, or options. In many trading apps, these fees can be very low.
- Management fees: Some trading apps will charge a small fee for the maintenance of your account. Usually this is calculated based on a percentage of your portfolio.
- Transfer fees: Certain brokers charge a fee if you want to transfer your stocks to a different trading app.
- Inactivity fees: Some apps will charge you an “inactivity fee” if you don’t carry out a minimum number of trades within a specific timeframe.
- Platform fees: Brokers often charge a flat monthly or annual fee for using the trading app but some platforms are free.
Advantages of using an investing app to trade stocks
Investing apps can be easier and more convenient than more traditional trading methods. Since they entered the personal finance world, people from all backgrounds are trying their hands at investing.
Here are the advantages of using an investing app to trade stocks:
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to using a stockbroker, trading stocks through an investment app is inexpensive.
- Convenience: With a trading app, opening an account is easy and hassle-free. With just a device and an internet connection, you can monitor your investments 24/7. You can also carry out trading activities wherever you are, even while travelling.
- All in one place: Most trading apps use just one interface to display all your investments and their performance. You can also buy and sell shares whenever is convenient, all the while keeping an eye on your profits and losses.
- Faster transactions: Buying and selling shares on a trading app is very quick, as are transaction payments and collections. Trading apps offer a variety of payment methods that enable rapid fund transfers.
- Greater control: With a trading app, you have no need for a broker, meaning you can maintain overall control of all your trading activities and decisions.
- Better understanding: Trading apps offer a window into the world of investing. Making all of your decisions alone, and acting on them, will allow you to gain an understanding much more quickly than through a third party.
Disadvantages of using an investing app to trade stocks
Here are some common disadvantages to be aware of with trading apps:
- Risk: Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to trading online is the associated risk. Trading can be highly profitable, but you can lose money quickly if you’re not on top of things.
- Mistakes can happen: Online trading requires high level concentration and caution. Just one mistake may lead to a big loss. Only trade once you have learned the basics about the world of investing and are feeling in control.
Who is a trading app right for?
Trading apps might be right for anyone who would like to participate in short-term trading. Whether you’re an experienced investor, or just dipping your toe in the world of trading, you can most likely find an app that fits your needs.
But, it’s important to remember that the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may not get back all the money you put in. All investments carry a varying degree of risk and it’s important you understand the nature of these (including any potential currency related or overseas listed) risks.
That said, if you’re looking for long-term investments or prefer to take a more hands-off approach, you may be better served with a traditional online broker. If that’s you, check out these UK brokerage accounts to help you find a better suited investment platform.
How to choose the best stock trading app for you
As with so many personal finance decisions, there’s no best stocks trading app that is right for everyone. Your decision will largely depend on your personal needs and what you want from the app.
Costs and fees are perhaps the most obvious consideration to bear in mind. But, there are several other factors to think about to get the best trading app experience for you.,these include:
- How user-friendly and intuitive do you find the app?
- What investments are you looking to trade? Shares, funds, or more high-level investments?
- If you’re a beginner, does the app offer the opportunity to practice trading before starting for real?
- Does the app charge other admin fees?
- Does your app have a minimum investment requirement?
- Is the app provider regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?
- Does the app offer any extra rewards/benefits?
- What analytical and research tools does the app provide?
Investment platform alternatives
Continue comparing investing options with any other types of investment platforms:
Frequently Asked Questions
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A stock trading app allows investors and traders to keep an eye on accounts and place trades through financial intermediaries. Trading apps often have other features, such as charting tools, real-time quotes, and news feeds.
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There are many UK stock trading apps. To trade safely, make sure the platform provider is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – not all of them will be. Also, check the app is owned by a trustworthy source. Finally, check if the app uses encryption for handling data.
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One important factor to bear in mind when comparing trading apps are fees. Even low fees can drastically reduce your portfolio’s return, particularly if you’re a frequent trader. Some brokers charge a flat monthly or annual fee for using the trading app.
Here are the most common types of trading app fees:
- Trade commissions: You’ll pay these fees when you buy or sell securities, such as stocks, ETFs, or options. In many trading apps, these fees can be very low.
- Management fees: Some trading apps will charge a fee, which is often a small fee, for the maintenance of your account. Usually this is calculated based on a percentage of your portfolio.
- Transfer fees: Some brokers charge a fee if you want to transfer your stocks to a different trading app.
- Inactivity fees: Some apps will charge you an “inactivity fee” if you don’t carry out a minimum number of trades within a specific timeframe.
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